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Verily if with mine own eyes I had seen a priest of God…

“Verily if with mine own eyes I had seen a priest of God, or any of those who wear the monastic garb, sinning, I would spread my cloak and hide him, that he might not be seen of any.” quote by John of Salisbury
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“Verily if with mine own eyes I had seen a priest of God, or any of those who wear the monastic garb, sinning, I would spread my cloak and hide him, that he might not be seen of any.”

John of Salisbury

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Seeing a holy figure sin challenges faith; the response is to conceal the act to protect the institution’s image.

In simple terms: Hide sin of the sacred to preserve belief.

Key Takeaway

Consider the impact of exposing hypocrisy.

Themes

faith hypocrisy authority

Mood

critical reflective

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • religious leadership
  • institutional reputation
  • personal morality

Key Concepts

ethics medieval thought

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should truth be hidden for the greater good?
  • What are the risks of protecting corrupt authority?
A Different Perspective

Concealing truth can erode trust and enable further misconduct.

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